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10 Things Everyone Should Know About Alzheimer’s Disease

1. More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Every 66 seconds someone in the United States develops the disease.

3. Only one in four people with Alzheimer’s disease has been diagnosed.

4. One-third of Americans over age 85 is afflicted with the illness.

5. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in America.

6. Older African-Americans are about two times more likely than older whites to have Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, while older Hispanics are about 1.5 times more likely than older whites to have these conditions.

7. Two out of every three people with Alzheimer’s are women.

8. Typical life expectancy after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is four to eight years.

9. Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in America, costing an estimated $236 billion in 2016. By mid-century the costs are projected to more than quadruple to $1.1 trillion, with two-thirds of these costs paid by Medicare and Medicaid.

10. In 2014, Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers had $9.7 billion in additional healthcare costs of their own.

These statistics illustrate the importance of finding a cure. The Brain Health Registry is aiding this effort by building an online database of potential clinical trial participants, which may dramatically reduce the time and cost associated with clinical trial recruitment – and helping find cures faster.

You can help. Register with Brain Health Registry today and join the fight against Alzheimer’s. You will be asked to answer some questions and take a few brain tests to complete your registration. The process is secure and free.